In the dark, cold environment of the Apocalypse, Demon Beasts that generate abundant body heat are exceptionally favored. Many creatures come to depend on their lairs for survival.

A Fire Attribute Demon Beast like this is an "Oasis in the desert," a "vibrant flame of life" in the dark and cold.

Of course, since the Apocalypse hadn’t arrived yet, this fox was currently just a beautiful, ordinary Fire Fox. But its potential was extraordinary.

’This damn dog is pretty something, actually managing to woo an Exotic Beast back home. Is this a love that transcends species?’ Li Xiang had to hand it to him.

’Perhaps it was all fated. Er Huang, heartbroken over Dahuang’s death, had been frequently running up the back mountain to visit Dahuang’s grave, and that’s how he met this fox?’

"WOOF WOOF~"

Er Huang continued to gaze at Li Xiang with pitiful, pleading eyes. The dog was highly Spiritual and was interceding on the Fire Fox’s behalf. Having eaten Spirit Medicine Porridge every other day recently, Er Huang’s Spiritual nature had grown immensely.

The Fire Fox was by no means less Spiritual. Its expression was heart-wrenchingly pitiable, making it seem as if it had become a spirit on the verge of speaking.

"So, you want to live here from now on? Ready to move in together officially?" Li Xiang mused, asking them tentatively.

"WOOF WOOF~ WOOF WOOF~" Er Huang seemed to understand and barked excitedly.

The Fire Fox also nodded its head repeatedly, letting out a series of "CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP" sounds, a bit like a baby.

’Holy crap, are they actually sentient?!’

In a flash, Li Xiang made his decision. He looked at the two little creatures and said, "Alright, you can stay. But you are not to steal and eat our chickens without my permission, and you’re definitely not to go stealing chickens from our neighbors! Otherwise... I’ll put you under the knife!"

If this fox got any funny ideas, the family’s chickens would surely be in for it. It wasn’t just that Li Xiang would be upset; among them was a red-crowned, iridescent-feathered rooster that was also highly Spiritual and likely to mutate.

Besides, if all the chickens were wiped out, his grandmother would be heartbroken.

Picking out a few of your own chickens to slaughter and eat was one thing; having them killed and dragged off by a fox was another entirely.

Furthermore, if chickens in the village started to mysteriously disappear and people found out he was keeping a fox, it would certainly stir up trouble with the neighbors.

That’s why Li Xiang had to lay down the law beforehand.

Er Huang barked "WOOF WOOF" again, and the Fire Fox hurriedly chirped a few times in response.

Li Xiang shook his head, went to the coop to let out the chickens and ducks, and after a quick count, confirmed that none were missing.

However, it’s difficult for interspecies relationships to produce offspring.

Though both dogs and foxes belong to the Canidae family, foxes are of the *Vulpes* genus while dogs are of the *Canis* genus. While there have been recorded instances of them mating, there are no known cases of the offspring surviving.

Breeding is especially difficult under natural conditions, and even if offspring were born, they would be sterile.

However, a few years ago, a supposed dog-fox hybrid was discovered in Brazil, which scientists named the Dogxim.

The Dogxim was a hybrid of a pampas fox and a domestic dog. Her name was a combination of "dog" and "graxaim-do-campo" (the Portuguese name for the pampas fox).

The chickens and ducks had been enjoying themselves in the backyard, but the moment Er Huang appeared with the Fire Fox, they were terrified and scrambled back into their coop.

Then, the mother cat emerged with her five kittens for a training session. Upon seeing the Fire Fox frolicking with Er Huang, she too grew frightened, arching her back with her fur on end as she shielded her five little ones behind her.

Li Xiang hurried out to calm the little animals down.

He beckoned, motioning for the Little Fox to come over to him.

At first, the Little Fire Fox was a bit fearful, but with Er Huang barking "WOOF WOOF" encouragingly from the side, it ran over to Li Xiang. Li Xiang picked it up and gave it a few strokes—its fur was incredibly silky—before setting it back down.

Seeing her master on friendly terms with the fox, the mother cat finally relaxed, but she still didn’t dare get close. Instead, she led her five kittens up the tall persimmon tree and from there onto the roof.

When his grandmother came out and saw such a large fox, she was quite surprised as well.

Li Xiang explained that the fox was Er Huang’s new girlfriend and would be living with them now. He assured her it didn’t eat chickens, that he had counted them himself and not a single one was missing. At that, his grandmother’s worries were put to rest.

However, what his grandmother said next stung a bit. "Xiang’Er, look, even Er Huang has found himself a partner. Don’t you think you should start putting in some effort? Grandma is still hoping to hold her great-grandchild soon, you know."

Li Xiang: "..." ’Now I’m not even as good as a dog.’

"The New Year is almost here. You shouldn’t spend all day fooling around with those gourds, that Snake Wine, and those hides. Go into the city, buy some nice clothes, and make yourself look sharp. In a few days, when all the girls come back for the holiday, you should go meet them, one by one. If you find someone suitable, you need to lock it down. You’re not a kid anymore, and with your parents gone so early..." His grandmother had started off cheerful, but her voice trailed off as she began to wipe tears from her eyes.